The Department of Native Welfare (DNW) operated from 1955, taking over the responsilibies of the Department of Native Affairs. The head of the Department, the Commissioner of Native Welfare, was the legal guardian of all Aboriginal children in Western Australia who were not already wards under the Child Welfare Act 1947. Following the Native Welfare Act 1963, the Commissioner ceased to be guardian, and could regulate the ‘care’ of Aboriginal children. The Department of Native Welfare ceased in 1972. Its remaining child welfare responsibilities were transferred to the Department of Community Welfare.
The Department of Native Welfare (DNW) operated from 1 January 1955 to 16 June 1972.